World Teleport Association Publishes New White Paper

World Teleport Association Publishes New White Paper on Managing the Partnership Between Teleports and Satellite Carriers

White paper provides insight into how successful "co-opetition” between teleport operators and satellite carriers can drive the growth of the business

(New York – June 25, 2009) – The World Teleport Association (WTA) announced today the release of a new white paper, Competition or Conflict: Managing the Partnership Between Teleports and Satellite Carriers. The white paper is the product of WTA’s first Member Forum, held March 23 in Washington DC, and addresses the perceptions of competitive conflict between teleport operators and satellite carriers that also own their own ground-based transmission facilities.

During the March 2009 Member Forum, nearly 40 senior executives with teleport operators and satellite operators discussed this issue. Some attendees viewed channel conflict with carriers as a threat to the future of teleports. Others saw operator concerns about channel conflict as a reaction to the natural evolution of the business in pursuit of greater value for customers. It was clear that all carriers are aware of the concerns and are responding in a variety of ways, ranging from one-on-one interaction with teleport customers to strategic decisions to sell off their teleport assets.

Competition or Conflict explores the areas of agreement and contention between partners in a long-standing and productive relationship:

Why satellite carriers buy or build their own teleports, and why some are choosing instead to sell off their ground segment assets

Where the opportunities for channel conflict lie and how the partners can manage the inevitable commercial tensions

New opportunities for productive collaboration among carriers and teleport operators

"Channel conflict can happen in any industry and can be managed in any industry,” said WTA Chairman Chris Russell. "It is WTA’s aim to offer a balanced presentation of the issues, help our members collaborate to deliver innovative, cost-effective services to customers and grow this business. The discussions during the Member Forum brought to light some key issues that this sector needs to build on. But this is only one of many issues that we will be addressing on behalf of our members."

About World Teleport AssociationSince 1985, the World Teleport Association (www.worldteleport.org) has been the only trade association that focuses on the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world's most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations. Companies that do business with teleports also find that WTA is the best investment they can make to open new channels to the industry.